As the months have past, each destination has challenged me in a new way. Lately while exploring new cities I’ve found myself looking for glimpses of home — whether it be in familiar spaces or rituals like coffee — to brings a sense of comfort to the present. In one breath I adore that I can be in Canada, but at the same time feel like I’m at a friend’s house or in a familiar neighborhood.
With each passing moment in Vancouver, I felt like I found home. It was no surprise that after the trip, I said the very words “it’s a city I could move to.”
I found home….
When it was 8:00 am on my third morning in Vancouver and I stepped into Timbertrain Coffee and the barista asked me how my day was going. The friendly smile and strong brew made me feel like I had walked into my own neighborhood coffee shop.
When I sat down to lunch in Bestie. It reminded me of two weeks ago, in Germany where I had my first currywurst. I never thought I’d get to try it again, yet here in Vancouver in a funky-fresh space, there it was. It was familiar, and with each bite I was reminded of the fond journey a few weeks back. (P.S. Bestie’s were better.)
When I walked through Gastown. The energy was enticing — bars with live music and cafes with open-air dining. At the Pourhouse I sat down to the bar and listened to the bartender extol his love for the city. He had no idea I was already sold on Vancouver, but listening to him share his love for the city made me fall even harder. I could have spent all night listening to the stories, feeling like I was with a new group of friends.
When I saw the city from above, aboard a seaplane, it was ever-clear how much the city is married with nature. As we made our way over Vancouver Harbour, I peered down to find three bald eagles soaring below us. Just summers before I had seen one, and to be able to be in the sky with them almost brought tears to my eyes. It felt like home, being in a city where nature was at my fingertips.
When I tasted the local beer at 33 Acres Brewing Company. As I traversed through the neighborhood, and stepped inside the bright space, I knew. I knew it was a place to let down my guard, jump into the community and sip on some well-crafted beers. It was an afternoon well spent with a family who has shared their space and passion with Vancouver.
It was home all at once, Vancouver.
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For more information on what to do in Vancouver, be sure to head to Tourism Vancouver.
*Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Tourism Vancouver. As always, all opinions are own.
